Chef James Martin targets hospitals

YORKSHIRE celebrity chef James Martin’s successful efforts to improve patient food at his hometown hospital has inspired him to help other NHS Trusts.

Mr Martin said that after helping to reinvigorate the staff and menus at Scarborough General Hospital earlier this year he was looking to work with six others in 2012.

His comments came as he attended a reception hosted by the Prince of Wales to highlight hospitals which are supporting the Soil Association’s campaign to improve dishes served to patients.

Martin spent 12 weeks working with catering staff from Scarborough General and his efforts were featured in a BBC programme.

He said: “It is going back to the old roots of food being a medicine.

“It’s so important in terms of nutrition and vitamins.” He was speaking during the Clarence House reception which featured chief executives, catering managers and nutritionists from 14 hospitals around the country who have added fresh and local produce to their menus.

He added: “One of the members of my family is in hospital and it’s important she likes the food. If the soup is like dishwater then she is not going to get any better.”